Manifold Garden is a calming, puzzle adventure game all about manipulating gravity and exploring a bizarre world of improbable architecture. But what some find relaxing, others could find boring.

I felt like falling asleep while playing this game…but in a good way! Part of that feeling stems from how I would describe the atmospheric music. It’s like one of those meditation style compilations you’d put on at night to help you fall asleep. But the sound effects in Manifold Garden can sometimes be jarring in comparison.

The visuals are simplistic outlines with splashes of colors for puzzles and lighting. Later on, more colors come in sparingly for effect. If you are prone to headaches, I wouldn’t recommend playing Manifold Garden because the visuals do get trippy. Sometimes, it can hurt to look at the dizzying effects of changing gravity to reach areas. Even if you aren’t, you may get one anyway.

Reimagine Physics. Explore the Infinite.

The puzzles are well crafted, utilizing the aforementioned gravity changing to reach pieces and areas where cubes (which act as keys) lie to be picked up and moved to correct slots. Another ability is falling off of areas that loop over and over to land on a different spot. There is a strategy because the cubes cannot move when gravity’s turned a certain way. So you can put a cube down, turn the gravity, and then put a cube on top of that cube and it will stay for you to reach it on a different gravity. It’s hard to describe, but when you see Manifold Garden, you’ll get what I mean.

Overall, Manifold Garden is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, it has mesmerizing visuals, good puzzles, and a calming atmosphere. But there are a few negatives, like headaches, and music which lulls you to sleep. Priced at $19.99, I would recommend picking it up only if it’s interesting to you and on sale. I can see why it’s been nominated for several awards in the visuals and gameplay. Still, it can be subjective if a person will enjoy playing Manifold Garden or not.